Streaked Mountain Guide Service
Western Maine
Black Bear Hunting
Hunting black bears is not like hunting anything else, black bears are known as the black ghosts for a reason. Black bears are smart and cautious and do not miss anything. The only way to harvest a black bear is to do everything correctly. (Once in a great while someone gets lucky) I have been hunting bears for quite a few years now and have come up with some valuable suggestions. Remember we are in their home hunting them; they have nothing to do but eat and survive. The success of your hunt is determined by the following.
1- Scent Control:
I wash all my clothes in scent free soap. I run the washing machine through a cycle before washing my hunting clothes. I wash my towel and wash cloth along with my hunting clothes in scent free hunting soap. I wash my hair and body with scent free soap directly before the hunt. I use a deodorant designed for hunting. I wear light clothing on my way to hunt unless it is nearby. If bringing a backpack or bag of any type it should also be de-scented and kept that way. I try not to do anything that may get any type of foreign scent on myself or my clothing or equipment. I highly recommend not smoking between showering and hunting. I do not want any smoking on the bear stands. Note- If myself or anyone else can smell any odor, for instance cigarette smoke, breath, body odor, soap or scented deodorant so will the bear and they will not offer you a shot.
2- Noise Control:
I do not bring anything with me that can make unnecessary noise. Water bottles, candy wrappers, clothing etc. I make sure the equipment that I am using is in proper working order with everything tight and quiet. Slings, straps, scopes, backpacks. Note- If you make a noise that you can hear so will the bear and they will not offer you a shot.
3- Visual Control:
I wear camo hunting gear; I wear nothing bright or flashy. I sit completely still and if I do need to move it is in extremely slow motion. If a bear or any animal that I am pursuing is looking at me I do not move AT ALL, I do not make eye contact and I DO NOT MOVE. When a bear comes in, you will not hear it most of the time, it will just appear. They look in every direction including directly at you. DO NOT MOVE, DO NOT MAKE EYE CONTACT, I can not stress that enough. Wait for the bear to turn away and prepare for your shot. Enjoy this time just watching them, bears are smart, quiet and professionals in the woods.
